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Nowadays Dawn Run would probably win a few Mares Hurdles and maybe a Rynair if connections were pushing the boat out. Depressing stuff.
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True; the 4-day festival has become bloated; the Ryanair in particular has affected both the 2M CC + the GC, Cost us at least one GC winner (Vautour)
Aye. The fourth day has had a huge negative impact on the quality of the established ‘Championship’ races. A perfect early pointer to what a disastrous (racing wise, obviously makes sound commercial sense – as will the inevitable Saturday 5th day) was crack staying novice hurdlers Denman & Black Jack Ketchum conveniently ‘avoiding’ each other in ’06.
The Tank got turned over anyway, but it was telling that a season of talk and speculation and excitement came to nowt. The very reason the Festival was the pinnacle of the season, smashed to bits.
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We could lose the Ryanair, the JLT, the 3M novice hurdle, the cross-country, and the mares novice.
A 4 day festival with only 6 races each day is a fair compromise. Royal Ascot only has 6 races a day so why not Cheltenham?
Don’t mind the X Country so much, but I’d add the Mares Hurdle (detest that race, such a shame Annie Power & Quevega messed around in that penalty kick of a G1) & the Fred Winter, which has made the Triumph in to another Triumph trial.
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I’m happy with the juvenile handicap hurdle, and the handicaps in general, as they are all fiercely competitive, and don’t detract from the championship races
Have I already mentioned my wish to have a 2m4f bumper? We all know how many winners the Festival Bumper is able to produce (best race of the meeting for future purposes), so why not have 5- and 6-year olds future chasers have their own bumper? If we can afford a handicap for juveniles, why not a 2nd bumper?
I quite like the Fred Winter or whatever it is called now. The handicapper has not got to grips with them all so there is a chance to get on one that is well in. Flaxen Flare winning in a canter is a happy punting memory!
I prefer the Triumph as it is now with a bit more quality than quantity.
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